Dusty Roads

If you are one of the many who have run into a dust cloud when passing Riverbend Landfill, give ODOT a call.

The Oregon Department of Transportation actually responds to complaints from drivers/walkers/bicyclists about unreasonably dirty roads -- and Highway 18 between Masonville and the dump is one of dirtiest.

To file a written complaint, go to http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/Pages/contact_us.aspx.  Or call ODOT directly at 888-275-6368.  ODOT is very good at getting back to people via telephone, and equally good at telling Riverbend to clean up its act.

Currently ODOT has issued Waste Management a permit to clean the road at night, from 1-3 AM.  The "to be cleaned" stretch extends from the landfill's entrance all the way to Masonville Road.  A good deal of dust has been kicked off to the sides of the road along this stretch, ready to balloon into a huge cloud whenever an oversized farm or other vehicle rolls across the rumble strip.

Waste Management is also supposed to be washing tires before trucks leave the dump, but the first "tire bath" they constructed couldn't accommodate their own trucks, so they dismantled that one and are rebuilding.

ODOT wants to hear from everyone who is disgusted by the dust and dirt or who sees problems with cleaning, drainage, and erosion along the highway.